Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranked school for an online bachelor’s in coaching is University of Florida, followed by Florida International University.
- Online coaching programs combine sport management, marketing, and finance skills.
- They are designed to accommodate working professionals, offering flexibility and diverse career opportunities.
- Graduates can work in high-profile sports teams or in event and marketing strategy.
With one of the best online bachelor’s in coaching, you could find yourself working with a well-known sports team, putting together a comprehensive marketing strategy, or organizing events on a national scale.
Information is everywhere and being delivered across the globe at an increasingly exponential rate. Sports information and engagement is growing rapidly and thanks to platforms like social media, the need for qualified professionals in sports management, marketing, events management, and finance will continue to grow.
What Are the Best Coaching Degrees?
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University Of Florida
The caliber of students at UF is high; according to the university’s website, a recent freshman class held an average 3.4 GPA and high average SAT scores. Students at this institution are known as ‘Gators’ and get involved with a wide variety of organizations and outreach projects across campus and the community.
The Bachelor of Science in sport management at the University of Florida is offered as a fully online degree. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to apply sports management, marketing, and finance techniques in practice. This could lead to a career with sports media, intercollegiate athletics, sports committee management, or professional sports franchises.
In addition to the required college, university, and general degree courses, you’ll study a variety of core courses that make up the sport management curriculum. This includes sport facility design and management, business finance, sport marketing, and sport and society. You’ll also complete an internship in sport management.
The University of Florida’s distance learning arm, UF Online, has ranked as the most affordable college in the United States, according to AffordableColleges.com. Each credit hour costs $129.18, inclusive of both tuition and fees, for residents. Non-resident students pay $552.62, inclusive of fees.
Florida International University
Florida International University has recently racked up a number of impressive accolades. They’ve been named #1 for both their undergraduate and master’s level human resource management programs, and for their level of success in awarding both undergraduate and graduate level qualifications to Hispanic students.
This BS in recreation and sports management is offered fully online so that you can study at a time and in a place that’s convenient. You’ll be prepared with the leadership and management skill set that you need to work in the fast-paced sports industry in a number of roles.
As a prerequisite for this course, you’ll need to have successfully completed DEP 2000 – Human Growth and Development. Your core courses will cover subjects like Leisure and Recreation in America, Financial Accounting, and Liability and Law in Leisure, Recreation, and Sports. There is also an internship as part of the program.
To apply for enrollment, you’ll need to provide copies of your official SAT or ACT scores, in addition to your official high school transcripts. If successful, you’ll study 120 credits across four years, with a tuition cost of $228.81 if you’re in-state, or $345.87 if you’re out of state.
Troy University
Troy University dates back to 1887 and was originally an institution dedicated to training teachers for the state of Alabama. Today, they’ve got some of the top-ranked programs in industries like risk management and insurance, and adult education. Their courses also feature regularly on rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
If you’re on the fence about your decision about where to study, you might be interested to know that Troy University runs a “worldwide virtual open house program”, which lets you ask any questions you have and view the campus. Expert advisers can help you choose your major and provide advice on financial aid or credit transfer.
The sport management program helps you to build on your interpersonal communication and decision making skills, while also helping you to become a strong leader and manager. The program is taught by an experienced faculty with many years’ worth of collective experience in the industry.
You can take this course either on-campus or fully online as a distance learner. For residential students, tuition runs at $325 per credit hour for in-state students or $650 for out-of-state students. If taken online, tuition is $338 per credit hour, regardless of your residency.
The University Of Iowa
The University of Iowa is one of the country’s leading research institutions and has been a member of the Association of American Universities since 1909. It’s also home to one of the largest and most recognized medical centers in the United States, plus the well-known Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
The University of Iowa’s B.S. degree in sport and recreation management has several concentration areas via distance learning. These include business studies, coaching and sport instruction, and entrepreneurship. The B.S. with a major in sport and recreation management will include a field experience worth 9 semester hours.
Your online curriculum can also lead directly toward the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Coaching Authorization. This is an approved, 55-hour coaching authorization course that includes CPR certification and concussion training, making it well-suited to any graduate wanting to work directly with athletes.
Per credit hour, you’ll be charged a rate of $337.00. There are also several additional fees, some of which you won’t have to pay as a distance learner.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) online degree programs are taught with the same high-quality curriculums and using the same faculty as their on-campus counterparts. You can choose from one of six start dates throughout the academic year to suit your schedule, as well as enjoy reduced-rate tuition compared to students in residence.
EKU’s sport management bachelor’s degree blends sport management principles together with proven business practices. The curriculum focuses on academic and professional preparation, covering essential topics like event and facility planning, legal and ethical issues, and management. While studying online, you’ll have a personal advisor who is assigned to you all the way through to graduation.
Offered fully online, the course can be paired with a minor or a certificate, allowing you to focus on personal interests or make something of any prior credits you hold. These options can further enhance your employability after graduation, too.
In this program, you’ll take a total of 120 hours at a cost of $409 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. If you’re an active member of the military, you’re also eligible to have this reduced further to $250 per credit hour. Up to 90 transfer credits may also be accepted.
Colorado Mesa University
When you join Colorado Mesa University, you become a Maverick and enter a learning environment where your professors all know you by name. The institution has more than 100 majors, 70 concentrations, and 46 minors, all taught in state-of-the-art campus locations or through a comprehensive learning management system.
Through the Bachelor of Science in sport management at CMU you can progress onto an MBA or master’s in sport management at the same institution. Otherwise, many graduates progress into a role in a college or athletic organization, community recreation program, public relations and marketing organization, or fitness center or YMCA.
Studies in your first semesters will focus on introductory learning like Foundations of Kinesiology and Introduction to Sport Management. You’ll also learn about the principles of macroeconomics, financial accounting, marketing, and management in your second year. You’ll progress onto more complex subjects in your subsequent semesters and years, increasing your knowledge and skill set.
As an out-of-state student studying entirely online, you’ll pay $434.20 per credit hour and there are no student fees applicable. If you need extra financial support, you might be eligible for a scholarship from the institution.
University Of Louisiana At Lafayette
In the Princeton Review’s Best 385 Colleges ranking, published in 2020, UL Lafayette is one of the United State’s best universities or colleges for undergraduates. The institution has also been ranked among 300 top national universities by the 2020 Best Colleges list published by U.S. News & World Report.
The fully online health and wellness degree will equip you to improve the lives of communities and individuals in a professional capacity. It will also lead you toward eligibility to take a national certification exam to become a certified health education specialist (CHES).
For this program, all your learning content will be online, with the exception of a clinical placement experience worth 3 credit hours, plus a 6-9 credit hour internship. You’ll be expected to complete 120 credit hours, achieve a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a C or better in all major courses.
Students who are taking fully online degrees at the university pay a flat-rate tuition rate. Online undergraduate students are charged $380 per credit hour, while online graduate students pay $480 per credit hour. Through your FAFSA, you may also meet the eligibility requirements for TOPS, the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students.
California University Of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U) is consistently ranked among the United States’ Best Colleges in the Northeast by the Princeton Review. With more than 100 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs, their track record shows over 95% of graduates find employment or progress to a graduate level qualification.
This accredited online bachelor’s in exercise science will give you a curriculum that’s built around both exercise science, fitness, and wellness, in addition to marketing, business, and management. You’ll study the sports industry, while also gaining the opportunity to specialize at greater depth within youth fitness or fitness for aging individuals.
Once you’ve graduated with a B.S. in exercise science, you’ll have all the skills you need to take two official certifications. The first is the certified personal trainer qualification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM); this is considered the top industry qualification for wellness and fitness. The second is the certified speed coach from the National Association of Speed and Explosion (NASE).
Tuition can vary due to a number of factors, including whether or not you’re a resident of PA. Typically, universities charge a flat-rate per credit hour for fully online courses, regardless of residency, though that’s not always the case.
Southern New Hampshire University
While Southern New Hampshire University provides on-campus tuition, their strength is in online distance learning — with a student body of more than 135,000 online learners. Since it was established in 1932, the institution has become one of the fastest growing universities in the country.
The online degree in sports management at SNHU has been running for more than 25 years and preparing students for successful careers in the sports industry. There’s also an accelerated BS to MS pathway available that could save you time and money.
The curriculum for this program consists of eight core courses, in addition to liberal arts and business courses, leading to a well-rounded degree. At the end of the program, you’ll take six credits’ worth of experiential, real-world training in a sports setting.
While SNHU isn’t the cheapest university around in terms of tuition, rates have been frozen since 2012, which helps keep it competitive. For online undergraduate programs, you will pay $320 per credit hour, with additional fees of $150 for graduation and variable costs for books and supplies. As a serving member of the military, you’ll pay even less at $225 per credit hour.
University Of Minnesota Crookston
The University of Minnesota Crookston is a public institution and one of five campuses across the state that form the University of Minnesota system. With an enrollment figure of nearly 2,000 students, around half of those based online as distance learners, this is a small state campus offering big degrees.
To graduate from this program, you’ll need to achieve a total of 120 credits, with 59 major requirements. Among the core requirements are courses like Managerial Finance, Career Development, and Principles of Management. You’ll also cover a broad range of sports-focused disciplines, including sport marketing, ethics and leadership, and the psychology of sport.
Graduates of the BS in sport and recreation management are prepared for careers within community, professional, and collegiate sport organizations. Leading to a range of roles in the industry, your BS in SRM can also be paired with a minor like coaching to enhance your employability after graduation.
Your tuition rate as an online learner consists of two fees. There’s a $401.50 cost per credit, with an additional $50 per credit online learner fee. As a fully online learner, the same fees are applicable to you whether you’re a Minnesota resident or not.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University has some impressive boasting rights, with more than 200 National Academies-honored faculty members, over 800 national student scholars, and over 40 programs that have been ranked within the top 25 for their field in the U.S. Even when you’re studying online, you’re getting the same top-quality tuition from the same faculty members.
The online Bachelor of Science in health sciences at ASU Online requires completion of 120 credits for graduation, spanning 40 total classes. These include topics like nutrition and healthy eating, fitness, stress management, and research-based coaching practices. Teaching is delivered by experienced professionals who have spent a lifetime studying and teaching healthy lifestyles.
Some of the coaching related courses will prepare you to get a national accreditation via the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaches (ICHWC). The qualification, which allows you to become a national board certified health & wellness coach (NBC-HWC), can improve your salary potential and future career prospects.
Tuition at ASU Online costs between $530 and $1,153 per credit hour, depending on your chosen degree, level of study, and course load, in addition to whether you’re carrying over any credits. The typical undergraduate rate costs between $530 and $728.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University’s distance learning program is known as WilmU and teaches students from across the world, including traditional freshmen, busy working professionals, parents, and active duty military service members. Through flexible format study and a wide choice of course formats, including weekend and evening tuition, you can complete your degree quickly and conveniently.
As part of your application, you’ll pay a $35 fee and need to provide any official transcripts for schools that you’ve attended, in addition to an immunization record. While your SAT/ACT scores aren’t required, providing them might qualify you to avoid taking the English and math placement test.
Classes for the B.S. in sports management degree start every 8 weeks, meaning you can choose a starting date that fits your schedule. As part of your program, you’ll also get to choose from a broad range of internship opportunities. This is largely thanks to the campus’ proximity to professional sports stadiums and teams.
For online distance learners at Wilmington University, tuition is charged at a rate of $346 per credit hour. For active duty military students, this drops to $250 per credit hour. There are also some applicable fees, including a $35 application fee, a $25 registration fee per semester, and a $100 graduation fee.
Bellevue University
With more than 80 degrees in high-growth career industries, Bellevue University is a regionally accredited university that’s set in a stunning 46-acre campus in Nebraska. Nearly 10,000 students attend annually across four locations and as online distance learners.
Bellevue University’s “real master” approach to learning means that students are not only taught, but also master the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the sports industry. You’ll apply the knowledge and techniques that you learn to real-life situations, increasing your confidence and ability to show your talents to prospective employers.
With the coursework assigned on this program, you’ll gain a strong understanding of accounting and finance, sports facility and event management, sports marketing and public relations, and sports law and risk management. You’ll also gain exposure to numerous career paths that can be taken in the sports industry, including merchandising, marketing, sales, media, and events.
Undergraduate tuition for fully online courses at Bellevue is charged at $425 per credit hour, though military service members on active duty qualify for a reduced rate of $250 per credit hour. You’ll also pay a $50 application fee and $100 graduation fee.
Liberty University
Liberty University’s students are trained as “champions for Christ”, imparted with the skills, knowledge, and values required to change the world of tomorrow. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the institution’s motto is ‘Knowledge Aflame’ and their total enrollment is in excess of 100,000 students.
As a Christian institution, Liberty University aims to teach all students enrolled in the BS in physical education & health how to promote healthy, Christ-centric lifestyles. Once you graduate, you’ll be able to design, implement, and analyze the impact of physical education teaching for grades pre K-12.
The program is split into two tracks; one track leads to Virginia teaching licensure while the other does not. The licensure track is approved by the Virginia Department of Education and requires you to complete one semester of teaching, including full-time classroom instruction in both elementary and secondary environments.
Tuition for online undergraduates is charged at $390 per credit hour as a part-time learner or $455 per credit hour for full-time learners. There’s also a $199 technology fee due each semester for online programs, plus a one-time $50 application fee for incoming students.
National University
National University offers more than 75 on-campus and online degree programs and is San Diego’s largest non-profit, private university. With focus placed on one subject at a time, one month at a time, you can complete your degree faster through four-week class schedules. Of the 200 programs available, over 75 can be taken fully online.
This Bachelor of Arts in sport psychology will provide you a comprehensive introduction to psychology and its significance in sports and performance. You’ll gain an understanding of what motivates people to take part in competitive sport, as well as how emotions can affect an athlete’s performance.
You’ll take major requirements such as Foundations in Sports Psychology, Social Psychology, Biomechanics of Sport, and Counseling Techniques. Your upper-division electives will include courses like Developmental Psychology, Biological Psychology, and Psychopathology. In total, you’ll need to successfully complete 120 credits in order to graduate from the program.
Your online learning management system login will give you access to interactive tools that prop up your learning. Your coursework will include lectures, presentations, evaluations, and exams. Undergraduate tuition runs at $370 per credit hour, though there are additional fees to consider.
American Public University
The American Public University offers more than 200 degrees and certificates at an undergraduate and graduate level. Its online classes start every month and run for either 8 or 16 weeks, allowing you to easily plan your studies around your existing schedule. They’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting your online Bachelor of Science in sports management from the American Public University is a good value decision. There’s no application fee, no fee for evaluating transfer credits, and no charge for textbooks or eBooks. Their tuition is also way below average compared to many other colleges and universities.
In this program, you’ll learn how legal principles in the sports industry shape decision making. You’ll study the sociological, historical, and political aspects of sports. You’ll also practice financial management principles and understand how they relate to the sports industry.
For online courses at the American Public University, you’ll pay a below average $285 per credit, or $250 if you hold a military grant. In total, you’ll need to successfully pass 120 credits to graduate with this degree. You can transfer up to 90 credits from past experience, too.
Davenport University
Davenport University, based in Michigan, is a private, non-profit institution with campuses across the state. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), the university also offers online courses that can be taken 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
Only two universities in Michigan and 24 around the world are accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA), and Davenport University is one of them. This Bachelor of Business Administration in sport management will prepare you for a career in the sports industry using real-world experience and in-depth study.
The curriculum is split into four parts: foundations of excellence, foundations of business, majors and electives. In the beginning, you’ll focus on foundation knowledge, like professional writing, introductory psychology, and algebra. You’ll progress onto industry-specific teaching, like sport marketing, sport analytics, governance and regulation, and management.
Unusually, non-Michigan students pay less per credit hour than in-state students. In-state students pay $777 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $519 per credit hour. This is on the basis of non-residents receiving a Davenport Tuition Grant, though this would make you ineligible for other forms of Davenport scholarships or grants.
Mercy College
Mercy College is spread across five locations, with campus facilities in Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, Bronx, Yorktown Heights, and online. The online learning management system offers 40 degree programs, with the faculty including Fulbright Scholars and national best-selling authors. The student body consists of around 10,500 students, with a little over half of these full-time learners.
Offered via the Dobbs Ferry campus and via the online LMS, the B.S. in sport management includes a mandatory internship that will give you valuable field experience and help you to build important networking connections. You can also opt to take a second, optional internship if you’d like.
The curriculum consists of 120 credits, 60 of which are general education requirements, with a further 30 business administration core credits, 18 credits in your chosen specialization, and 12 credits of open electives.
For online programs, you’ll pay a tuition fee rate of $452.00 per credit, while graduate tuition varies from one course to the next. There’s also a registration fee due of $200.00 per term for less than 12 credits, or $400.00 per term for 12 credits or more.
University Of Wisconsin-Superior
Bryan University, founded in 1940, is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). They’ve also received the accrediting body’s School of Distinction award, which recognizes institutions that have shown a commitment to accrediting guidelines and standards, delivering high-quality educational programs.
The Bachelor of Science in professional fitness training and exercise science will upskill you in a range of competencies and skills. The curriculum has been designed by industry experts and structured around core competencies highlighted by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
As part of your studies, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge in a range of areas. Your courses will include physiology, anatomy, and biomechanics, in addition to team sports coaching, athletic conditioning, business and finance skills, and preparation for a nationally-recognized certification.
Online tuition is charged separately from on-campus programs, with each credit being charged at a fixed rate regardless of how many credits you take. Undergraduates pay a below average $305 per credit, while graduate courses are charged at $565 per credit. There’s also an online administrative fee of $60. All books and course materials are included in your tuition costs, too.
Concordia University
Founded in 1893 as a Christian liberal arts university, Concordia University, St. Paul uses an experiential learning environment that helps you connect your learning with real-word scenarios, preparing you for life after college. You’ll have complete flexibility around your studies thanks to the advanced learning management system, and you’ll be taught by the same caliber of faculty that teaches on campus.
As part of your application for the Bachelor of Arts in sport management, you’ll need to submit official transcripts in addition to having a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. While enrolled, you’ll need to complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate from the program.
According to Concordia’s website, Concordia – Saint Paul bachelor’s degree graduates are among the highest earners of all alumni from Minnesota colleges and universities. You’ll be prepared to enter the sports industry workforce in one of many different professions, including sport marketing, facility management, and fitness center management.
For the BS in sports management, tuition runs at $420 per credit hour. CSP also offers a scholarship tool that can help you to find scholarships for which you may be eligible. If you’re an eligible service member on active duty, you may also qualify for cheaper tuition of $350 per credit hour.
Eastern Oregon University
Eastern Oregon University enrolls around 3,000 new students each year into one of 37 on-campus or 22 fully online degrees. The university is home to over 50 student organizations and has a student to faculty ratio of 17:1. Their tuition and fees average thousands of dollars less than many other private and public institutions within the region, making EOU a top-value college.
EOU’s online degrees are designed to fit unusual schedules, allowing you to study at a convenient time and in a place of your choosing. There are multiple start dates each year, in addition to a better than average credit transfer policy. Transferring prior credits means that you may be able to save both time and money in achieving your degree.
There are several tracks available as part of the bachelor’s in health and human performance, including community health, exercise science, and physical education & sport. Each of these is taught by experienced faculty and meets the same quality standards as courses taught on-campus.
Online learners at Eastern Oregon University pay $252.00 per credit hour for undergraduate programs, or $466.50 for graduate level study. There is also a one-time $350 matriculation fee due for all new or transferring students. Financial aid may be available directly through the university for students in greatest need.
Webber International University
Webber is a private, independent, four-year university that was founded in 1927. It’s been recognized for being both a Best in the Southeast and Best Value institution by the Princeton Review, and nearly 97% of students receive some form of financial aid to help with their studies.
Online learning at Webber takes place via the learning management system (LMS), Moodle. In addition to having access to your course content via Moodle, you’ll also be able to make applications for things like housing and financial support.
Aside from the core course requirements for the degree, you’ll be required to study courses that include Ethics and Issues in Sport Business Management; Human Resource Management; Risk Management and Legal Aspects of Sports; Sport Promotion; Facilities and Event Management; Sport Information and Media Relations, and an internship program.
Online tuition fees run at $400 per credit hour, in addition to certain fees associated with online study. In addition to federal student funding, Webber has some financial aid options that can help with the cost of college, including private education loans, the Florida Prepaid College Program, and some limited Webber International University programs.
Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls College was recently ranked among the Top 50 Most Beautiful Christian Colleges & Universities in the United States. And even if you’re studying fully online, in 2019, TFC was ranked number 3 on the list of Top Online Bachelors in Sports Management by higher education website thebestcolleges.org.
The sports management major will prepare you to take on a leadership role in the rapidly growing world of sport. As this is a Christian institution, the program is taught from a biblical perspective that integrates faith into the curriculum. You will learn the needed skills to work in the industry, in addition to developing the biblical character needed to become strong Christian servant leaders.
Some of the minors that can be paired with this degree program include management, marketing, non-profit business administration, organizational leadership, physical education coaching, and sport management. Upon completion of this program, the institution boasts that 100% of its graduates are working in the sports industry within six months.
If you study online, you’ll pay $345 per credit hour, with an additional technology fee of $150 due each semester, plus a student fee of $35, also due each semester. Tuition is markedly cheaper for online students, with full-time residential students paying around $10,560 per semester.
Concordia University Chicago
As part of the online offering at Concordia University Chicago, you’re guaranteed small class sizes and no increase in tuition costs during your program. This online bachelor’s in sports & recreation management at CUC was also named among the Best Online Programs by the U.S. News & World Report in 2019.
This program is fully online and taught via asynchronous learning. You’ll begin with courses like Introduction to Sports & Recreation Management and The Social & Historical Foundations of the Industry. Then, you’ll learn how to implement fitness and wellness plans, how to promote brand marketing and manage pricing, and the principles of management, human resources management, and accounting.
As a graduate of this program, you’ll also be eligible to apply for the BA to MA sports leadership program at CUC. With this program, it’s easier to progress directly into a master’s program in sports leadership, which could increase the number of roles available to you in the industry, plus your earning potential.
To graduate, you’ll need to successfully complete 128 credits, with each credit hour costing $490 for both in-state and out-of-state students. There’s also a technology fee of $16 per credit hour, bringing the approximate cost of this program to around $64,768 across its full duration.
Mckendree University
Established in 1828, McKendree University has a long history and is the oldest college in the state of Illinois. It’s also the oldest institution in the United States to still have ties to the United Methodist Church. Class sizes average 16 and around 2,500 students enroll annually in its programs.
Like many online institutions, the university uses BlackBoard to deliver its course content. For this program, all courses are offered during an eight week period, with many students opting to take two courses during each ‘semester’ and choosing in which order to study them.
The general track in sport management is geared toward upskilling students in key areas that are essential for sport management careers. These include basic study of the sociological and economical environment of the industry itself, accounting and finance, and management and leadership; you’ll also take an internship.
Tuition for the online BBA in sport Management runs at $390 per credit hour for both in-state and out-of-state students. For each online undergraduate degree, there is also a technology fee of $70 per credit hour, which is charged separately, plus a $125 graduation fee.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a growing institution, both online and offline. Since 2009, the university has invested millions to improve course quality and student experience. Their digital learning platform has also grown considerably, with tens of thousands of students now studying fully online from around the world.
GCU graduates with a bachelor’s in sports management routinely enter a variety of roles, including sports merchandising, guest relations, sports marketing, athletic administration, and event planning. Some jobs can be performed in the field, while others will see you working in arenas, marketing offices, stores, or even colleges and universities.
Some of the topics covered by the GCU curriculum include event planning for athletic events, both digital and social media marketing, sports analytics, sports media, and revenue generation. The curriculum ensures that you’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to carve out a career in a wide variety of roles within the industry.
Online tuition can vary from one course and college to another. Typically, undergraduate programs are charged at a rate of $395 to $470 per credit hour, while graduate level study ranges from $350 to $690. If you’re currently serving in the military on active duty, you may be eligible for a rate reduction.
Johnson & Wales University
JWU is spread across four campuses and celebrates a tight-knit network of students and faculty that embrace the university’s mantra, “Pride, courage, character, and community”. Wildcats study hard and perform well academically; recently, 3,000 students completed an internship at JWU and around 70% of seniors who took paid internships were offered jobs.
This broad curriculum covers sports, entertainment, and event management, giving you broad scope in your career after graduation. However, to be eligible for this program, you will need to be able to demonstrate at least two full years of full-time work experience after your high school graduation date.
If accepted into the program, you’ll have a wide range of major courses to choose from. As events management is part of this degree, these include Concert and Event Production, Weddings & Ceremonies, and International Exhibitions & Events. This makes JWU’s online program more than just your average sports management degree.
Online programs at JWU cost less than those studied full-time, on-campus. As an undergraduate, you’ll pay $330 tuition for each credit hour, regardless of your residency. If you decide to progress to graduate level study, this cost rises to $763 for graduate programs and $900 for doctoral programs.
California Baptist University
California Baptist University (CBU) is among the top private Christian institutions in Southern California. Founded in 1950, the university is staffed exclusively by a Christian faculty and offers more than 100 programs at an undergraduate and graduate level. CBU has also been featured on U.S. News & World Report’s rankings as a Best Regional University.
The Bachelor of Arts in sport, recreation and fitness management at CBU Online consists of 49 major units and can be completed in an average of 16 months. Your course materials will be provided and completed via the university’s online learning management system, Blackboard.
Your degree will equip you with a foundational education in sports and recreation, management, fitness, and coaching, in addition to a broad number of other skill sets. Your coursework will cover areas like the sociology of sport, leadership and communication, and ethics.
Tuition for this fully online program costs $613 per unit. You’ll save an average of around $20,000 compared to a traditional, four-year on-campus degree. If you’re in need of financial aid, CBU Online offers a number of scholarships and other loans, including the Cal Grant that is available to residents who meet the academic and financial eligibility requirements.
University Of Northwestern Ohio
The University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) is a not-for-profit, private university that was founded a decade ago. Their campus is made up of five different colleges: the College of Applied Technologies, College of Health Professions, College of Business, College of Occupational Professions, and the graduate college that grants associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees.
The sport marketing & management program can be taken as either an associate or bachelor’s degree, lasting two or four years respectively. These programs place emphasis on business, management, and leadership skills, and will prepare you to enhance your existing career within sports or launch your own business.
Courses making up the program curriculum include sport law, finance, marketing, sport psychology, sports management, promotions and public policy, facility and event management, and the history of sports in the United States. You’ll work with athletes at a variety of levels, gaining experience in community programs and the corporate sector of the industry.
Tuition at UNOH varies from one college campus to another. The sport marketing & management program is part of the College of Occupational Professions, with tuition charged at $230 per credit hour. While distance learning is often cheaper, tuition for this program is less costly than even the online programs.
Columbia College
Columbia College (CC), a small institution with a student to faculty ratio of 9:1, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The college has more than 30 bachelor’s degrees, plus 10 associate degrees, and 8 master’s programs. In total, the college serves around 18,000 students each year.
As part of this program, you’ll learn about how the industry works, from small-scale community events to major sports organizations. Your course modules will cover topics like accounting, management, economics, and marketing while you improve your knowledge of society’s attitude toward sports. You’ll have a choice of electives that include sports theory, coaching, and the psychology of sport.
The university also ranks regularly on Best Of lists for its programs and campus. In 2018 and 2019, Columbia College made the Best Online Programs list according to U.S. News & World Report. In addition, in 2020 Columbia College was named as a Best for Vets college.
Tuition for this degree program runs at around $375 per-credit hour, with military or ex-military students paying a reduced rate of $250 per-credit hour. If you’re living on campus, there will also be additional fees for books and supplies, and room and board.
Frequently Asked Questions
A coaching degree can prepare you to work in the sports industry, with different roles in sales and marketing, coaching athletics teams, managing finances, or helping to design and implement brand strategies. A degree involves studying coaching theories, sports psychology, and practical coaching methods. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and develop athletes.
A bachelor’s in coaching degree takes full-time students four years to complete. Most programs require 120 credits, which means students take between 12 and 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years. Some online programs offer accelerated studies that allow students to graduate in less time.
Aspiring athletic coaches start their career by getting a bachelor’s degree in coaching or a related field of sport business or athletic training. You should also get experience through internships or volunteer work to help you build a network in the sports community. Seek opportunities to coach at various levels and specialize in a specific sport or age group.
You can! Many college graduates pursue successful and fulfilling careers as sports coaches at various levels, including youth, high school, college, and professional levels. Building expertise, gaining experience, and networking are key to long-term success in sports coaching.
With an athletic coaching degree, you can pursue various careers in the sports and fitness industry. Here is a list of potential jobs you can consider:
• Assistant coach
• Athletic director
• Fitness center manager
• Fitness instructor/personal trainer
• Head coach
• Recreation director
• Referee or umpire
• Scout
• Sports marketing coordinator
• Sports recruiter
• Strength and conditioning coach
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 9% growth in jobs through 2032 for coaches and scouts. This means about 38,400 openings are projected each year for the next 10 years. Growth for this career is three times the average for all other occupations (3%).
Yes. Successful coaches make money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average pay for coaches and scouts is $44,890/year. The highest 10% of earners make over $93,500/year. College and university coaches make higher wages than coaches at elementary and secondary schools.